FOOD DRINKS – Page 2

December 2, 2018 by: Sunny London

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Visiting England’s Food Capital

Can you believe I said no to trying the Christmas menu at Hind’s Head Bray when I first received the invitation to review it?

Who in her right mind calls herself a ‘foodie traveller’ and declines a complimentary experience at one of Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin starred restaurants?

Apparently… me!

Hind’s Head Bray Review- The Invitation

When reviewing the itinerary I received for a press trip to Windsor, I saw our lunch was at the pub Hind’s Head Bray. All pub related videos and stories do well on the Sunny News YouTube channel and website, so it was cool until I used Google Maps to see how far the Hind’s Head Bray was from our hotel.

5 miles!

Not a big deal if you have a car, but for our weekend in Windsor, Mr Sunny and I were taking the train from London because it’s easy. I emailed the tourism board and suggested perhaps an afternoon tea at the hotel was smarter because Americans visiting Windsor likely wouldn’t have cars available to them either to make a trip to Bray for a pub meal. So the story would not be meaningful to this large portion of my audience.

When Mr Sunny found out what I had done, he responded, ‘Big mistake. Huge.’

‘If Americans knew about Bray and what it offers for a culinary experience, they damn sure would figure out a car or Uber!’ he exclaimed.

What was unknown to me is this small village holds more Michelin stars in one condensed area than any in the world. Ok- that might be a little exaggeration, but that was Mr Sunny and his father’s response to me.

I felt like a total idiot. I made it my mission to educate Americans interested in food travel about the village of Bray.

Luckily, I was working with an A* PR professional who was gracious and forgiving with my grovelling email requesting to gain back the invitation.

Talk about having your tail between your hind! 😉

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Research

Once I discovered we still could have the opportunity, I started proper research beyond an address. In the video below, you can learn about all the awards and recognition the Hind’s Head Bray has received. I also list some royals who have visited and other interesting stories about the pub that has been around since the 15th century.

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Our Experience

From the moment we entered, we felt the gravity of how serious the Hind’s Head Bray treats the food experience.

While in the winter this pub has a cosy atmosphere and offers traditional English pub food with Heston Blumenthal’s creative, popular twist, it is NOT relaxed about its focus on an exquisite food experience.

First, we were taken to the upstairs area for cocktails and quavers.

They were beetroot and chicken flavoured. As you can see, the presentation was no after thought. The quavers not only made a striking impression when we saw them but also had strong flavour.

Several people introduced themselves, including the manager, who is a brilliant, friendly individual. Then, we were taken to our table on the ground floor to begin the food adventure designed by Heston Blumenthal.

Our starters from the A la Carte Christmas Menu were the Venison Carpaccio and the Chestnut Veloute.

Mind blowing! The portion sizes were small but packed with rich punch. Although, we both could have eaten more of them, we were careful not to become too full and potentially ruin the ability to enjoy upcoming courses.

For main courses we chose the Roast Turkey and Hereford Prime Grilled Ribeye.

Our Australian server warned us that it was the best steak she had ever eaten. If you know anything Australians, they take steak seriously!

Everything was cooked to perfection. I have never had turkey that was so juicy. In fact, Americans tend to overcook it regularly, even though you would think since it’s the main dish at Thanksgiving we would have had enough practice getting the damn bird right!

Finally, the dessert arrived.

The millionaire shortbread (called the ‘Chocolate Wine’ on the menu was indeed fit for a millionaire’s taste. Mr Sunny also spoke highly of the Cherry Bakewell Tart.

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Final Thoughts

The numerous recognitions the pub has received are fully warranted. If you are a foodie traveller and spending time in Windsor, it would be a huge mistake not to make time for exploring the culinary opportunities in Bray.

Also in my research I learned about Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, which is just across from the Hind’s Head Bray. It holds three Michelin stars and as you can imagine also has an impeccable reputation for food.

I am grateful that my English husband and father in law were able to help me avoid making a huge mistake out of ignorance. Hopefully, I can do the same right now for you.

To see a current list of what you can enjoy at The Hind’s Head Bray, be sure to visit their website. Or follow them on Instagram to be teased every day with delicious dishes!

Do you have any embarrassing foodie stories like this one to share? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

October 27, 2018 by: Sunny London

Cheese Afternoon Tea- The Georgian House London

Let’s just get the first pun out of the way- the Cheese Afternoon Tea at the Georgian House Hotel in London is… cheesy! There. I said it. Are we gouda now? 😉

Well, actually I wrote it. And Mr Sunny and I ate it when we stayed at the five star boutique bed and breakfast in Central London just a few days ago.

You might know the Georgian House Hotel as the ‘Harry Potter hotel’ because it has several rooms called the Wizard Chambers. To learn more about this experience and to see some video of the Cheese Afternoon Tea, you can watch my upcoming YouTube video that I will link to this blog post as soon as it is ready. It captures highlights from our whole experience at the Georgian House Hotel. That is, if you have not already watched a behind the scenes look at my Instastories when we were there.

Just before we left for Nice, France we spent the night at the English boutique. It is a quick walk to Victoria Station, which makes the bed and breakfast very centrally located in London. You can find it at 35-39, St George’s Drive, Victoria , London SW1V 4DG.

Over the course of the evening we had the Cheese Afternoon Tea, a Wizards’ Cocktail Class, a private movie at Pimlico Theatre, a sleep in the Wizard Chambers and their award-winning breakfast. Oh- and their General Manager, Adam Rowledge, recently won the Independent Hotelier of the Year!

The afternoon tea starts with several sandwiches which… all have cheese! They are:

Burrata, tomato and pesto bruschetta
Sheep’s cheese, Nduja and roasted pepper open sandwich
Smoked cheddar Welsh rarebit with apple chutney
Potted Stilton with raisins, peppercorns and capers on fig and apricot bread

I liked the second sandwich the most and had both to myself because Mr Sunny does not prefer red peppers.

Next, you will find a course of cheddar and thyme scones and blue cheese scones served with sliced apples and chutney. We added some butter to ours also. Even though sometimes I think I could live off of a diet comprised entirely of cheese, there are a few I can’t do. Blue cheese is a definite no for me. However, I could not taste it that strongly in the scones.

The final course is our favourite and that is the desserts. Specifically we loved the Raspberries Mascarpone Cheese Cone. This is likely because Mr Sunny and I both loved tiramisu, which has mascarpone as a key ingredient . Additional items in the top tier of the Cheese Afternoon Tea are:

Goat’s cheese mousse, beetroot jam and basil tart
Blu 61′ drunk cheese with cranberries on Scottish oatcake
Black forest cheesecake shot with pretzel crumble

Cheese Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

For cheese lovers, this themed afternoon tea is different and fun. I emphasise that you really need to like an array of cheeses though because obviously many different ones are featured. The Georgian House is careful to use locally sourced ingredients from London and South England in all of their food to ensure the best quality. The wine flight makes a very nice pairing as well. The accompanying drinks flight features The Bolney Wine Estate’s Kew Red English wine, Trenchmore Silly Moo cider and Ridgeview’s Cavendish, English sparkling wine is available to compliment each dish. Although we did not have it, your tea could include bottomless Prosecco. The wine flight is certainly a change from champagne, a drink that seems to have nearly replaced the tea in afternoon tea in London over the past few years.

Finally, for those who have a more savoury preference, the Cheese Afternoon Tea could be a better option for you too in comparison to ones that are chocolate or Christmas themed at this time of year. You can certainly check out the Georgian House Hotel and what their latest offerings are via their website.

Our visit was complimentary for the purpose of a review, which does not affect our opinion. For more information on the outstanding ratings of the Georgian House, you can see their reviews on TripAdvisor too.

The Cheese Afternoon Tea is currently served from 14.30-17.00 Monday to Sunday in the Georgian House Hotel’s Pimlico Pantry and reservations in advance are required. You should inform the team of any dietary requirements or allergies.

October 18, 2018 by: Sunny London

Dirty Bones Restaurant in Soho- Instagram Kit

Have you seen the Instagram for Dirty Bones restaurant? If one of their shots of the Mac Daddy burger doesn’t make you drool, there is something seriously wrong with you. And now that I have finally eaten one, I can tell you it IS as good as it looks, Sunny friends. A picture of this bad boy was definitely Instagrammable. I have been trying to up my insta game recently by putting a link in my bio to all my information and platforms. If you would like to add link in bio too then you will find assistance online.

Recently I was invited to write a story on secret things to do in Soho. This opportunity was exciting because Covent Garden (an adjacent neighbourhood for my non-London readers who don’t know the city that well) was the first place I ever lived in London. Walking through Soho every day gave me great knowledge of its many small streets. It also has a highly condensed population of restaurants that I have enjoyed through the years too.

Something that had been on my radar for new things to try in Soho was the alleged ‘Instagram Kit’ that Dirty Burger restaurant advertised as making available to customers. What? You haven’t heard about it?

Oddly enough, when I arrived at the restaurant a little before my table for two booking a few weeks ago, the employee at the door had not heard of it either. He quickly sat me at my table and then disappeared for a few minutes. I assume he was searching for the Instagram Kit that I had told him I was sure existed. In fact, when I had called to book my table, I made sure to ask if they still had it and if I had the right Dirty Bones restaurant.

My friend who always enjoys a dinner experience through the eyes of a blogger wasn’t set to arrive for another 15 minutes. As I sipped on my wine, I wondered if it would really be as fun of a dinner as I had indicated to her when extending the invite. If they couldn’t find the Instagram Kit, the burgers alone might not live up to the picturesque legend shown on Instagram.

Suddenly, the employee appeared with the ray of light. Take a look.

Ok, I get it. It’s really just a battery pack and small light stand. But, anyone who has ever had Instagram envy over someone else’s pictures (that is all of us isn’t it???) would understand why this kit is really taking foodporn to the next level.

Once setting up the Instagram Kit on my table, I was now really eager for my friend to arrive for our long over due catch up dinner with a flashy new toy.

We ordered Starters and chatted during the time it took them to arrive. I was a bit cheeky (or some would say very American) and ordered Mac Balls AND the Mac Daddy burger. It was one of those ‘when in Rome’ moments I guess because I felt if I was in a burger joint I should just go all out American and absorb as much home cooking as possible! The Mac Balls did not disappoint.

She stayed green and picked the Padron Peppers. I didn’t try any and took her word for it that they are delicious. Not long after, our burgers arrived.

She kept it simple and went with The Classic. And, when you’re ready, prepare to gain a few pounds just looking at my Mac Daddy burger.

Both shots, as well as the Starters, were actually taken with my old iPhone 6. Even though I had my new Canon camera, it just seemed easier to use a phone since the Instagram Kit worked so well in the low lighting of the restaurant.

Dirty Bones Restaurant Soho Instagram Kit: Final Thoughts

After using the kit and knowing how much Instagram matters to bloggers and pretty much everyone, I can’t understand why more restaurants don’t provide kits for customers. Ok, maybe if I was eating food at a Michelin starred restaurant I would be put off by a light sitting on someone’s table next to me. However, think about the fantastic presentation the chefs do for these meals. Isn’t it an injustice not to show off their work to all your followers?

Let me know what you think of the idea of an Instagram kit being provided by restaurants in the comments below, Sunny friends. It certainly made a difference for my experience as a food blogger!

September 27, 2018 by: Sunny London

The Fire Station Waterloo Review

Sound the alarms because this London food spot is hot! I’m not kidding, Sunny friends. Mr Sunny and I were caught off guard when we approached The Fire Station Waterloo early on a recent Thursday evening. At 6pm, it was clear that the crowds had arrived well before us. So, naturally our curiosity about the restaurant peaked fast.

Because we like to eat early and get home on nights when we work the next morning, we usually do not experience packed places too often in London for dinner. Perhaps the 50 times I was almost knocked over in the stampede at Waterloo Station in the five minutes I had to wait for Mr Sunny to meet me should have been an indication of the kind of evening it was going to be?

We had a quick pint at a pub on the corner and then headed off to begin our The Fire Station Waterloo review. Using Google Maps to guide us in the right direction, we noticed that we simply had to look for the crowd outside. ‘Good thing we have a table booked,’ we thought while we wiggled through the people enjoying after work drinks outside.

Our server greeted us immediately and swiftly brought us our standard large red wine and beer. We pretty much knew we were either getting burgers or pizza because those are the two main features of their dinner menu. I called bagsy immediately on the Cheese & Bacon burger because as the chief blog writer, it’s my right, isn’t it?

Mr Sunny felt pressure for pictures to get a pizza so we could offer variety to you, but I told him since the burgers sounded so delicious that I was sure we could feature two different ones to readers, especially since there is a Beer & Onion burger on the menu.

‘Right. Sorted then’, he said.

The sneaky surprise of the evening goes to my Halloumi Fries on the Snacks menu. When I asked our Server what menu item would take a great photo, and he suggested the Halloumi Fries, I was surprised. To be honest, I do not even know why I like halloumi so much. It has little taste, the consistency of soft rubber and photogenic quality of a rock. Yet, every time I see it on a menu, it is irresistable.

The Server gets two thumbs up for this recommendation. Featuring strips of fried halloumi with harissa yogurt, mint and pomegranate seeds, this dish deserves an honourable mention. Specifically, I loved the explosive popping of the pomegranate seeds in every bite. The combination of that against the bland background of the halloumi works great.

And yes, it does take a good picture.

Mr Sunny, the blog’s resident beer and wing man, picked the Sesame Miso Wings for his snack and was not disappointed.

The Fire Station Waterloo- Sugar on Top

I struggled to finish my burger, which I am regretting as I write this because the thought of leaving behind any of that beautiful brioche bun right now seems blasphemous to me. It rocked but just filled me up too fast. Well, at least until the Desserts menu was waved under my nose. Would you pass up a Chocolate Donut Mess?

That tasty treat has chocolate hazelnut sauce, vanilla ice cream, honeycomb, flake, whipped cream and chocolate covered donuts. It was the final feat that put out my flame for the night. I used every last inch of room I had left to scoop out every bite. I have no regrets.

The Fire Station Waterloo- Final Thoughts

If you want a lively ambiance in the evening for after work drinks and burgers, The Fire Station Waterloo is for you. They also have a Brunch menu that could tempt you too. The prices are more than reasonable and the energy sure is high.

Even though our meal was complimentary for a review, it seems clear through the volume of people at The Fire Station Waterloo that we aren’t the only ones who feel this is a hot place to be in London!

August 8, 2018 by: Sunny London

Bar and Block London Restaurant Review- King’s Cross

Mr Sunny and I eagerly anticipated the new menu items at Bar and Block London Steakhouse, since it is somewhere we have never been together. Specifically, I could not wait to try the Deconstructed Beef Wellington. The dish is one of my favourites, and this one certainly made me curious.

Bar and Block London: Food

The menu in general is reasonable. Starters range from £4.95-£6.95. It is recommended that two people share three plates between them, so this is exactly what we did. The portion size was perfect. I feel that many times Starters are so overwhelming that it takes away from the ability to enjoy a Main Course.

Together, we shared the Tandoori Chicken Wings Crispy tandoori spiced chicken wings cooked over charcoal and topped coriander, Atlantic Scallops cooked over charcoal in garlic butter and chorizo, topped with samphire, and the Pulled Beef Croquettes filled with pulled beef marinated in a rich port, black treacle and bone marrow sauce, served with lemon & garlic mayo and topped with parsley. The last two are new items and the final one was definitely my favourite!

For his Main Course, Mr Sunny had the Spiral Cut Filet 10oz. It’s billed as ‘a unique dish created by spiral cutting the fillet and marinated it in garlic and parsley for 24 hours for tenderness and flavour.’ Mr Sunny felt it was good, but for £25.50, he had hoped for something a bit more moving.

The Deconstructed Beef Wellington features a 10oz sliced fillet served on layers of puff pastry filled with garlic spinach and creamy truffle flavoured mushrooms, served with a rich Malbec sauce. The beef was divine, but I found the pastry really difficult to cut through and this took away from the overall impact of the dish. It is priced at £28.95.

After we finished our Main Courses, our server recommended the Chocolate Churros Sundae which is churros coated in cinnamon sugar, served with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel ice cream, brownie chunks, cream and chocolate toffee sauce. While it wasn’t nearly as Instagram worthy as my Candy Floss Martini that began our evening, it sure had a sweet flavour and texture to it. I was a little sorry I had opted to share it with Mr Sunny.

Bar and Block London: Atmosphere

When we arrived to the restaurant it was virtually empty. However, this was at 6pm on a Tuesday evening in this summer’s scorching temperatures. Most people seemed to still be at the pubs around the corner enjoying some after work drinks with colleagues. My guess is that they do not know about the Happy Hour drink specials at Bar and Block London Steakhouse.

Through the two hours we spent enjoying our meal, the restaurant gathered a strong crowd and nearly every table was full by the time we departed. It seemed to be a mix of people who work in the King’s Cross area, travellers and local Londoners.

Bar and Block London: Location

The location of the restaurant is perfect for those who are travelling through London via King’s Cross and want a nice, juicy steak for dinner. Although, they seem to offer a good brunch menu too.

Another aspect I liked about the restaurant is it offers nice space between tables. Often in big cities restaurants push tables so close together that it takes away from one’s ability to enjoy the food because of the feeling of smashing elbows or chairs with the other customers near the table. Bar and Block offers ample space around the restaurant. Further, the open kitchen makes it enjoyable to see the dishes being prepared and served straight from the grill to the plate.

Bar and Block London: Final Thoughts

Our server was excellent and suggested a fantastic wine with our food. The location was buzzing on a week night. However, we felt the size of the butcher’s block on which they serve the Main Courses actually minimised the look of the food and made it seem a little sparse. This of course was just aesthetic because we struggled to finish all of our food. I would be very interested in returning to try their brunch specials. And certainly the Fizz Friday, at which they offer a bottle of Prosecco for £18 sounds like a great deal!

For those who follow me on Instagram, you saw the Boomerang of this cocktail below coming together on my Instastories. It certainly is a fun way to start an evening and dazzle your followers on social media at the same time!

July 31, 2018 by: Sunny London

Savage Garden Rooftop Bar- Views of London

Sunny friends, I think I am still recovering from our night at London’s Savage Garden Rooftop Bar. Ok, so maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration because it’s been a few weeks since I attended their launch party. But, this venue billed as ‘London’s Wildest Rooftop Bar’ sure made an impression on Mr Sunny and me.

So, let’s get started with the savage details.

Savage Garden Rooftop Bar: Location

I would have never guessed that the 12th floor of the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel London would have such an amazing rooftop bar. It really caught Mr Sunny and I off guard.

We arrived a few minutes prior to the start time of the launch party and immediately figured out that we missed the memo on the cool factor of this event. It’s actually embarrassing because the invitation from the PR contact was pretty clear:

We really hope you can join us for a night of cocktails, canapes, live music and stunning city views… Take a walk on the wildside with us and prepare to expect the unexpected.

I mean really, how much more obvious could it have been???

As we entered, I quickly felt under dressed and way to casual. Then, I was swept away by the numerous rooms that featured one breathtaking view after another of London.

The air was filled with warm golden sun and bass thumping music. It was clear that Mr Sunny and I arrived about 20 years late to this party!

Savage Garden Rooftop Bar: The Crowd

When we first met, Mr Sunny and I were definitely classified as ‘Club Kids.’ We loved raves and clubs and lounges with an electronic ambiance. I lived around the corner from Limelight and spent a lot of time dancing there.

After I got over my initial shock of being included on the ‘cool list’ for a swanky new rooftop bar in London and realised that I should have seen this elite atmosphere coming based on the invitation, I did what any normal person would do to calm her anxiety. I hit the bar. I hit them all.

Savage Garden Rooftop Bar: Cocktails

Don’t start judging me. I am only adding a bit of drama to give some flair to this rooftop bar review. Ok, truth be told, it was Mr Sunny that did the bar hopping. I hid in a corner after I got some cityscape shots on my new camera and just did some crowd watching.

Mr Sunny quickly sussed that each bar station was offering a different cocktail. Of course, he wanted to try them all, as ‘it would be rude not to.’ Don’t you just love the logic of the English when it comes to drinking?

Since he went through the trouble of queuing for every round of them, I graciously agreed to sip a taste of everything he brought to our table. Perhaps a few sips in some cases.

As with any rooftop bar trying to compete in a cosmopolitan town, the drinks offered were tasty and uniquely presented.

Savage Garden Rooftop Bar: Final Thoughts

Yes it might be a bit cliché to call Savage Garden Rooftop Bar a ‘hotspot’ but seriously, it is. As the night went on and the sun began to fade, it became even more evident that the people there wanted to impress and be impressed. This is the place for which you take hours to get ready, and plan on staying until the early hours of the morning.

We were safely on the underground heading home by 9pm. While my head was on my pillow by 11pm, my thoughts were creatively imagining all the savage activities I was missing – but probably had experienced a decade before.

For your viewing enjoyment, I suggest you catch the club on Instagram if you aren’t brave enough to venture there yourself. 😉

Let me know what you think, Sunny friends!

July 27, 2018 by: Sunny London

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead London Review

If you are living as an expat, what cuisine do you miss the most from your home? As an American living in London, I have learned that the idea of BBQ is one of the highlights of US cuisine. While growing up in America, I didn’t appreciate it the way I do now. So, when I heard a Porky’s BBQ was opening in West Hampstead, I was quick to check it out.

If you remember, back in the Autumn I reviewed the Porky’s BBQ in Bankside. Mr Sunny and I had a significant meat fest that day. He ordered a meat platter that he struggled to finish because of its massive size, and I had a Porky’s BBQ (pulled pork sandwich). Oh, and let’s not forget that glorious Macaroni and Cheese, which is one of my top 5 favourite dishes from an American menu!

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead: Food

It was tough not to get the same selection that I had on the Bankside menu. I thought it would be kind of silly to order the exact same things in both locations. So, this time I opted to combine some of the highlights and ordered the ‘MacPorky’. This is pulled pork, mac and cheese and bacon. Could it really get any more sinful, Sunny friends? Take a juicy look at the photo above and don’t spend too long trying to count the calories.

But, perhaps I jumped ahead to fast because of my affinity with the both the burger and classic macaroni and cheese? Let’s go back to the Starters.

First, I enjoyed the Pulled Pork Croquettes, which are breaded pulled pork, potato, and spices that are fried and served with honey mustard bbq sauce. Mr Sunny had the BBQ wings, which are smoky chicken wings tossed in a sticky bbq sauce with green onions, sesame and chilli. For his Main, Mr Sunny couldn’t resist the Rack of Baby Back Ribs.

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead: Ambiance

Located right on West End Lane, Porky’s is a quick walk from West Hampstead Overground station, as well as underground. We arrived around 5:15pm and could choose nearly any table we wanted. Over the hour we visited, several tables were taken but there still seemed like plenty of room available for those in the mood for American BBQ on a sunny day in July.

Outside featured several tables too.

The location is open and airy, and it is decorated with American nostalgia much like the Bankside restaurant we visited. It officially opened in the end of June/early July 2018 and like any new location, it seems they are still working on some operational aspects. I encourage you to watch their success and take time to read their reviews on TripAdvisor.

I was surprised that you couldn’t smell the flavours of BBQ seeping from the restaurant, as is often a feature of these types of locations. It would be a great marketing tool for them to explore.

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead: Prices

Prior to beginning our food review that we were invited to do at Porky’s, Mr Sunny and I stopped at a West End Lane pub for one round of drinks. For £15 we had a large red wine and pint of beer. When returning from the bar with our drinks, Mr Sunny joked that he had ‘forgotten about the West Hampstead prices for a round.’

Refreshingly, the prices on the Porky’s BBQ menu seem to be very fair. It’s a quick and easy place to eat for those who want a taste of American BBQ, without going through the trouble of smoking or grilling it themselves.

July 24, 2018 by: Sunny London

Smiths of Smithfield Farringdon Review

Where should you be able to count on getting a damn good steak in London? Mr Sunny and I confidently threw our dice on Smiths of Smithfield in Farringdon. Can you guess why?

Those familiar with Farringdon probably know that the newly refurbished Young’s pub is directly across from ‘Smithfield Market’, which is formally named the London Central Market. It’s the largest wholesale meat market in the UK and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. I could write a whole blog post on it alone, and likely will in the near future.

However, you might not know how much Smiths of Smithfield offers inside. Besides delicious steak, of course!

Smiths of Smithfield: Food

Foremost, everything we had is of excellent quality. For Starters, we had the Devon crab and Markham Farm asparagus salad, citrus dressing and the Seared Cornish scallops, smashed new season peas, smoked bacon loin crumb and lobster sauce.

These were on The Grill menu, even though we were seated in the Cafe and Bar, which is the ground floor.

For our Mains, I devoured the ‘SMITHS’ Burger, cheese, ale onions, shredded lettuce, ketchup, mayo, pickles and fries. Mr Sunny had the 16oz 28 day aged Scotch bone in ribeye. He graciously let me try a piece.

I write graciously because after I tasted it, I have to admit I wouldn’t blame him for wanting every last bite to himself. The flavour was incredible and it was cooked to perfection. You would like to assume that would be the case when you order a steak across the street from London’s most popular meat market.

We are happy to report that both meat selections were excellent. The real shocker came at the end…

That’s the Sticky Toffee Pudding. It’s something I order when I really want to splurge. This one is no joke. In fact, it was the highlight of my evening. When we commented about how we were really caught off guard by a dessert being so melt in your mouth amazing ‘at a steak joint’, the manager indicated that’s a common reaction from those that order it.

Mr Sunny had the Snickers cheesecake. And while there wasn’t anything wrong with it, the dish can’t compare to what was on my plate!

Smiths of Smithfield: Ambience

The ground floor offers an all-day dining room and bar. They serve breakfast and apparently the brunches are a smashing success. The manager, Jonathan, indicated it is best to book in advance if you are planning brunch at Smiths of Smithfield on a weekend. He indicated the place is packed with both locals and tourists.

Another surprising selling point to this Young’s pub is the change in ambience from level to level. We had a quick tour at the end of our meal and loved what each floor offers.

The Grill reflects the butchery heritage of its Smithfield location. I took a picture of a refrigerator filled with meat ready to be prepared for customers, but I didn’t think blog readers would salivate like we did over raw meat hanging. It is just an in person kind of pleasure trigger, I think.

No 3’s terrace is a half bar, half dining location. When I saw it, I was really jealous of the people enjoying their food and drinks there. The view, especially during the golden hour of the evening, is stunning and not the ‘typical London skyline’ shot you anticipate when a person says a place has a great view.

Smiths of Smithfield: Service

As I have often written, when you are receiving a complimentary meal and the staff knows in advance that you are there for the purpose of a review, speculation on how true the experience is can be called in to question.

This actually was the first time that blogging about a location may have actually caused problems with my service. Don’t panic- nothing ‘bad happened.’ But, there was some confusion with my arrival that made our evening different.

My schedule allowed me to arrive an hour prior to the booked table. Rather than stop somewhere else for a drink and wait for Mr Sunny to finish work like I usually do, I decided to hit Smiths of Smithfield early and be a paying patron at their venue.

I indicated to the greeter at the door that I was early for a review and hoped to enjoy a glass of wine on my own, prior to starting the review. However, rather than unload all my camera gear at a table and then relocate when Mr Sunny arrived, I chose to sit at our actual table.

The server assigned to that area seemed a bit perplexed as to what was happening, because each time he asked if he could get me any food, I indicated I was there for a food review that started later and the wine was a separate bill. He also indicated a bit later that he was new to the venue. Other than this small comedy of errors in which the staff could not separate my casual drink from the start of the formal review, the evening went without a hitch.

Timing for all courses was excellent, and everyone was informative and friendly. The true test of the success of this Young’s venue was during our tour of the other levels.

They were packed!

Smiths of Smithfield: Final Thoughts

I am intrigued by the brunch offer at Smiths. Mr Sunny is salivating on the chance to eat at No. 3 Restaurant and Terrace because he mistakenly read its menu and had already decided his course for it before our food review!

You really want to keep an eye on the events coming up at Smiths of Smithfield, especially in the Autumn. I follow them on Instagram and Twitter. That would be my suggestion for you too, if you don’t want to miss their exciting news!

Now, I’m curious how many of you have ventured to the London Central Market in the very early hours of the day? Mr Sunny has gone many times but it is something I have not done yet. What suggestions do you have for me or what questions can he try to answer for you about the location?

June 16, 2018 by: Sunny London

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table Review- Covent Garden London

American fans of P.F. Chang’s, you’ll be excited to know that there’s a new hotspot in London just for you, and that is P.F. Chang’s Asian Table. Although I am quite familiar with the Asian restaurant which first opened in Scottsdale, Arizona, I have never been to a location while living in America or visiting.

If you are like Mr. Sunny (my London born husband), you might not know the restaurant chain. It was founded on the concept of making food from scratch every day in every restaurant. P.F. Chang’s is the first multi-unit restaurant concept in the U.S. to honor and celebrate the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking as the center of the guest experience. It’s first location opened in 1993.

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table- Location and Ambience

It’s no secret that Covent Garden is my favourite neighbourhood in London. So, of course, when an American based chain opens in the area, I’m all over it. P.F. Chang’s Asian Table is inches from the Leicester Square Underground Station. This means you are positioned extremely well for London’s Theatre District, if you would like to plan a meal in between your tickets for the two Harry Potter and the Cursed Child shows.

It’s intent is to bring an L.A. loft bar vibe to Covent Garden. Having been to Hollywood many times, I definitely feel P.F. Chang’s Asian Table hits the target here. However, the dark atmosphere is a bit tricky for food bloggers because it presents a real low-light challenge for capturing that perfect image to make your Instafans drool with you.

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table- Food

We started with the Boseong Cooler and Luck + Fortune cocktails. Our server recommended the Handmade Lobster & Shrimp Spring Roll. We also enjoyed the Dragon Roll. Both were great, in fact, the lightly coated tempura in the Dragon Roll made this option extra delicious.

Next, I had the Mongolian Beef and Mr Sunny had Chang’s Chicken, which was again a recommendation from our server. Both were good and very filling.

However, the real highlight hit the table when we had desserts. At first, we did not think ordering two would be smart because our previous food, cocktails and wine surely felt like enough. But, since we were invited to do a food review for the restaurant, we felt we should experience the full range of what is offered in one meal. And let’s face it, dessert menus are tough to turn down!

Sunny friends, the White Chocolate Bomb is a real jaw dropper. It is white chocolate filled with honeycomb, cocoa nibs, popping candy, chocolate soil, hazelnuts and creamy hazelnut ice cream. Your server will pour a bomb melting toffee sauce on top and you will have about 10 seconds to watch it melt in front of you. You lucky friends who catch the sunny rays on my Instastories saw a video of the explosion.

Equally as yummy is the Pina Colada Cheesecake. Although Mr Sunny enjoyed it and recommends it, the clear winner on the pastry menu is the White Chocolate Bomb.

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table- Quality and Final Thoughts

We felt the prices for the restaurant in Central London to be very reasonable, given it is billed to be ‘casual yet elegantly playful.’ Placed just a few streets away from Chinatown means competition from smaller, independently owned Chinese food venues. Therefore, it might be more appealing to Americans already familiar with the hugely popular brand in the United States. Londoners who have already professed loyalty to a hidden, off the beaten path hideaway in Chinatown might not venture across Charing Cross Road when their Asian cravings hit. However, P.F. Chang’s Asian Table in Covent Garden seems to offer the space and social scene (due to its mixologist and his creations) that would be hard to find in a smaller venue in Chinatown.

To see more about special offers, weekend brunch, and more go to the full menu on P.F. Chang’s Asian Table website.

How many Sunny friends have visited P.F. Chang’s in America? What was your experience?

April 22, 2018 by: Sunny London

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane Review- London

Spring in London is truly glorious. The temperatures rise. The sun stays out longer. Cherry blossoms bloom. And then there’s my favourite thing to see… Spring menus bursting on to the food scene!

Mr. Sunny and I selected Brasserie Blanc this year for our first official Spring restaurant experience for some very sentimental reasons. The loss of his mum earlier this year slowed down regular publications on Sunny in London. As you can appreciate, life changed for us quite a bit and we needed time to adjust.

But we decided as winter shed its final flakes (we hope), that we would start heating things up again on the blog. The press release for Brasserie Blanc’s new menu in my inbox ignited the relaunch. And this is why…

We love French food. And, my mother in law did too. After reading through the new menu together, our overall impression was strong. Raymond Blanc’s concept of joining a collection of dishes inspired by his travels is enticing, especially when it’s such a popular time of year to energize and begin new adventures. So, the menu also captured our feelings of moving forward with a bit of vibrancy.

However, we both were targeting the same dish to have when we walked in to Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane location on a very hot evening in mid-April.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- The Food

That’s the Malabar Fish Curry with Toasted Coconut. And, I won the draw to have it as my Main Course. It is roast hake with aromatic spices and coconut milk, grilled king prawn, shallot crisps and coconut rice. I can attest to the fact that it is divine!

Backing up a bit in my food journey, I started with the Mediterranean Fish Soup. This was an odd selection for me because I never order soup and rarely eat it at home. Further, the near 90° Fahrenheit temperature outside certainly wasn’t beckoning me to the dish. But, again the ingredients sounded so scrumptious.

I loved it. And, adding the final touches of cheese, croutons, etc myself was a little fun too. The soup is rich with balanced flavour and the texture is silky smooth.

Mr. Sunny or his mother would never pass up Escargot on a menu. It’s their favourite. Well, that’s if Buffalo Wings aren’t on the menu, because Mr Sunny is an avid wingman. However, it would be rare to see a restaurant feature both on a menu because they are cuisine worlds away!

He enjoyed them and followed the Starter with his other French fav- Moules Frites!

While he indicated his preference for mussels is slightly different from how the chef served them, he said the dish was thoroughly enjoyable. He felt both his courses would have been real winners with his mum too.

For our final selection, we decided to share one chocolate fondant, one of the evening’s specials, because our first and second courses were so filling. Sharing food (especially dessert) is not something for which I am known. 😉

Initially, I was disappointed at the small size when it hit the table. However, after a delicious few bites, each of us felt that only ordering one was indeed the correct thing to do. They had warned us that it was a chocolate lover’s feast, and they were exactly right!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Service

It is rare that service during a blog review goes wrong. So, I try to look for signs that would be consistent regardless of the circumstance so readers trust my recommendations. We had the chance to talk to many staff members while at Brasserie Blanc. Their communication with one another and system for managing each table was solid.

Further, each person offered extensive knowledge at various points. Our server, Christopher, knew the menu well and offered suggestions that worked to exceed our expectations. Also impressive was the Brouilly Domaine des Dames de la Roche that we enjoyed upon the suggestion of the manager. We were initially concerned that since all of our courses featured fish that we would be remiss by not having white wine. It was the perfect red wine pairing for a vibrant spring day.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Ambience

Mr. Sunny and I usually schedule our blog review dinners early because we find it easier for photographs and less distracting for other people dining in a restaurant. When we arrived at 6.15pm there weren’t many tables filled, and that was expected at such an early booking. As the evening progressed, Brasserie Blanc had a strong, steady crowd.

It seemed nearly all patrons entering were French. For a culture known for its passion and appreciation for fine food, seeing so many ‘natives’ at tables gave even more credit to my thoughts about our experience. Again, restaurants can put on their best face for a pre-arranged, complimentary blog dinner, but observing this type of clientele to me says there is consistency with Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane.

Finally, I also appreciated that the tables were fairly spaced apart and we weren’t crammed in to a small space elbowing other guests. However, ladies make sure you don’t have too much champagne or wine before you attempt the tight spiral staircase to the loo!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Final Thoughts

An additional point worth noting is that Brasserie Blanc has an extensive gluten free menu. Also, impressive is the new Sunday Lunch Menu.

They have many restaurants in London (Charlotte Street, Hammersmith Riverside, Southbank, Threadneedle Street and Tower of London). You can also find them in Bath, Leeds, Oxford, St Albans, Portsmouth and several other locations in England.

Our evening was a blend of past, present and future as when said a toast to my mother in law, enjoyed a spring revival for the blog and discussed our upcoming trip to Prague.

Brasserie Blanc is at the top of my suggestion list for Londoners and people who visit London that are seeking classic French cuisine with a fun flair and flavour.